Broiler Feed Phases in Zimbabwe: Starter, Grower, Finisher
Using the correct feed phase at the right time is one of the most cost-effective management decisions a Zimbabwe broiler farmer can make. Starter feed costs more per kg but is critical for early growth, switching too early compromises day-42 weight. Conversely, leaving birds on grower protein longer than needed wastes money with no performance benefit.
Starter Phase (Days 1–14)
Protein target: 22–24% crude protein. Energy: 3,050–3,100 kcal ME/kg. Feed format: fine crumble (0–7 days), medium crumble (7–14 days). Daily intake target: 10–40g (Day 1 to Day 14). Key nutrients: lysine >1.3%, methionine >0.5%, threonine >0.88%. Starter is expensive per kg but total consumption is low (~170g/bird in week 1). Do not economise on starter quality, the first 14 days set the skeletal and organ growth trajectory for the entire cycle.
Grower Phase (Days 14–28)
Protein target: 20–22% crude protein. Energy: 3,100–3,150 kcal ME/kg. Feed format: pellet (3–4mm). Daily intake target: 60–110g. The transition to grower coincides with the highest growth rate period (days 14–28). Feeding restriction or poor-quality grower here has the biggest negative impact on final weight. National Foods Pfuma Grower is formulated for this window, do not substitute with layer mash or cattle feed, which has different amino acid profiles.
Finisher Phase (Days 28–42)
Protein target: 18–20% crude protein. Energy: 3,150–3,200 kcal ME/kg. Feed format: pellet (4–5mm). Daily intake target: 110–185g. Finisher has lower protein but higher energy to promote fat deposition and improve dressout weight. For birds going to live market, feed finisher to day 42. For birds going to processing, implement a 6–8 hour feed withdrawal before slaughter (reduces carcass contamination). Do not use medicated feeds with drug withdrawal periods if slaughter is within the withdrawal window.
Common Mistakes
1. Using layer mash as finisher (wrong calcium:phosphorus ratio, reduces growth). 2. Not pre-wetting crumble for day-old chicks (they struggle to eat dry fine crumble in first 24 hours). 3. Inconsistent feed delivery times (creates competition stress and uneven flock weight). 4. Allowing feeders to run empty for more than 4 hours (feed restriction at any age impairs weekly targets). 5. Storing feed for more than 3 weeks in Zimbabwe heat and humidity (aflatoxin risk).
FarmIQ Platform
FarmIQ logs daily feed usage and automatically tracks cumulative feed per bird against Cobb 500 targets.
This guide is maintained by the FarmIQ team based on real operator data from Zimbabwe farms. Last reviewed: April 2026.